Pope Francis condemns use of Crucifix as fashion item

By Sewe Ishola,
Pope Francis has condemned the use of`the Crucifix’ (cross) as a fashion statement. He called it an abuse of the religious object .

In a speech at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Pope Francis said that the religious symbol should be “contemplated and understood”, and “not be abused”.
Highlighting the religious meaning of the cross, he said: “The crucifix is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory which is sometimes abused, but a religious sign to be contemplated and understood.

Pope Francis “The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times.

How do I look at the crucifix? Like a work of art, to see if it’s beautiful or not beautiful? Or do I look inside, within the wounds of Jesus up to his heart? I look at the mystery of God annihilated to death, like a slave, like a criminal.”